ISSN:
1615-6110
Keywords:
Angiosperms
;
Compositae
;
Cousinia
;
Generic distribution map
;
centres of diversity
;
distribution patterns
;
Flora of the Irano-Turanian Region
;
Flora of SW. Asia
;
of Iran
;
Iraq
;
Afghanistan
;
Pakistan
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract On the basis of new floristic works a distribution map of the genusCousinia is given and discussed. The generic distribution area ofCousinia is nearly identical with the Irano-Turanian Region, but most of the 662 species are concentrated on the Iranian and Turkestanian mountain regions. Here, both in the eastern and in the western parts of the distribution area, four centres of diversity with high numbers of—mostly endemic—species are found: The western Tienshan (61 species), Pamiro-Alaj (169), NE-Afghanistan (80), NW-Afghanistan (44); Kopetdagh (66 in Iran, 33 in Turkmenia), Elburz (66), the northern part of Zagros (44), Azerbaijan (36). The outlines of the generic area are formed by genetic-historical and by climatic factors. The distribution patterns ofCousinia species confirm the close connections between the Iranian and the Turkestanian mountains as centres of origin and conservation of palaeo-xeromorphic mountain floras, contrasting with the Turanian lowland flora.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00936283
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